PEMRA ban on anchorman lawful, says IHC

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition filed by ARY news against the imposition of 45-day ban on one of its anchorpersons, Dr Shahid Masood.

Justice Aamer Farooq, after hearing the arguments of counsel for the channel and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), reserved the order on the petition on September 7. In his judgment, Justice Farooq held that the petition was not maintainable as the Pemra’s action was lawful and in accordance with observations made by the superior judiciary.

“Examination of the words of Dr Shahid Masood in the programme in question shows that no name was taken, however, it is evident and clear that the opinion/remarks were referred to the honorable chief justice Sindh high Court,” judgment reads.